22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, chosen men out of themselves to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas—Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren— 23 having written through their hand thus: 'The apostles, and the elders, and the brethren, to those in Antioch, and Syria, and Cilicia, brethren, who 'are' of the nations, greeting; 24 seeing we have heard that certain having gone forth from us did trouble you with words, subverting your souls, saying to be circumcised and to keep the law, to whom we did give no charge, 25 it seemed good to us, having come together with one accord, chosen men to send unto you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul— 26 men who have given up their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ— 27 we have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas, and they by word are telling the same things. 28 'For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, no more burden to lay upon you, except these necessary things: 29 to abstain from things offered to idols, and blood, and a strangled thing, and whoredom; from which keeping yourselves, ye shall do well; be strong!' 30 They then, indeed, having been let go, went to Antioch, and having brought the multitude together, did deliver the epistle, 31 and they having read, did rejoice for the consolation; 32 Judas also and Silas, being themselves also prophets, through much discourse did exhort the brethren, and confirm, 33 and having passed some time, they were let go with peace from the brethren unto the apostles; 34 and it seemed good to Silas to remain there still. 35 And Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming good news—with many others also—the word of the Lord;
36 and after certain days, Paul said unto Barnabas, 'Having turned back again, we may look after our brethren, in every city in which we have preached the word of the Lord—how they are.' 37 And Barnabas counseled to take with 'them' John called Mark, 38 and Paul was not thinking it good to take him with them who withdrew from them from Pamphylia, and did not go with them to the work; 39 there came, therefore, a sharp contention, so that they were parted from one another, and Barnabas having taken Mark, did sail to Cyprus, 40 and Paul having chosen Silas, went forth, having been given up to the grace of God by the brethren; 41 and he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the assemblies.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 15:22-41
Commentary on Acts 15:22-35
(Read Acts 15:22-35)
Being warranted to declare themselves directed by the immediate influence of the Holy Ghost, the apostles and disciples were assured that it seemed good unto God the Holy Spirit, as well as to them, to lay upon the converts no other burden than the things before mentioned, which were necessary, either on their own account, or from present circumstances. It was a comfort to hear that carnal ordinances were no longer imposed on them, which perplexed the conscience, but could not purify or pacify it; and that those who troubled their minds were silenced, so that the peace of the church was restored, and that which threatened division was removed. All this was consolation for which they blessed God. Many others were at Antioch. Where many labour in the word and doctrine, yet there may be opportunity for us: the zeal and usefulness of others should stir us up, not lay us asleep.
Commentary on Acts 15:36-41
(Read Acts 15:36-41)
Here we have a private quarrel between two ministers, no less than Paul and Barnabas, yet made to end well. Barnabas wished his nephew John Mark to go with them. We should suspect ourselves of being partial, and guard against this in putting our relations forward. Paul did not think him worthy of the honour, nor fit for the service, who had departed from them without their knowledge, or without their consent: see 13. Neither would yield, therefore there was no remedy but they must part. We see that the best of men are but men, subject to like passions as we are. Perhaps there were faults on both sides, as usual in such contentions. Christ's example alone, is a copy without a blot. Yet we are not to think it strange, if there are differences among wise and good men. It will be so while we are in this imperfect state; we shall never be all of one mind till we come to heaven. But what mischief the remainders of pride and passion which are found even in good men, do in the world, and do in the church! Many who dwelt at Antioch, who had heard but little of the devotedness and piety of Paul and Barnabas, heard of their dispute and separation; and thus it will be with ourselves, if we give way to contention. Believers must be constant in prayer, that they may never be led by the allowance of unholy tempers, to hurt the cause they really desire to serve. Paul speaks with esteem and affection both of Barnabas and Mark, in his epistles, written after this event. May all who profess thy name, O loving Saviour, be thoroughly reconciled by that love derived from thee which is not easily provoked, and which soon forgets and buries injuries.